Beschreibung:

Silk exhibition flag, 2.75 x 4.75 in., with 9.25 in. staff. Staggered star pattern. Woven inscriptions: [Obverse] "Philadelphia International Exhibition / America and France / Union Forever / 1776 Centennial 1876 Souvenir"; [Reverse] "Philadelphia International Exhibition / Union For Ever / 1776 Centennial 1876 Memento." Ca 1876. The Centennial Exhibition celebrating 100 years of American cultural and industrial progress was held at the Fairmount Park Fairgrounds in Philadelphia and marked the first time a major world’s fair was held in the United States. The event was immensely popular and introduced America as a new industrial world power. Although there were 37 states when the Centennial Exposition opened, this souvenir flag was produced with 36 stars, illustrating the liberty sometimes taken by flag makers to favor graphic design over historical accuracy. Provenance:J. Richard Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags Condition: Overall very fine condition. Professionally mounted.